Conversation 31/43 The same ball does not present the same problem to every player. That can be difficult for tennis coaches to understand because we often assume players see what we see. But perception is not a neutral recording of the world. What a player perceives is shaped by their body, abilities, experiences, confidence, intentions and relationship with the environment. Two players can receive the same ball, yet perceive different opportunities for action. One may perceive an opportunity to attack. Another may perceive pressure and attempt to survive. One may recognise space down the line. Another may perceive the cross-court ball as the more achievable option. They may therefore discover completely different movement solutions—and both solutions could be functional for the individual player at that moment. This is why great coaching cannot be reduced to giving every player the same technical answer. Your preferred solution may not fit that player’s body, intentions,...